Caiti Mondragon: Slow down, invest in your family

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I saw a quote today and it made me think of my family, how precious they are. It made me realize once again that no matter how much we fight it, time really does fly.

"Four Things You Can't Recover:The stone after the throw,The word after it's said,The occasion after it's missed,The time after it's gone."-Deanna Wadsworth-

It's so hard to believe that next month, Ray and I will be married nine years. It feels like just a short time ago that we met, became friends and fell in love.

It seems like just yesterday Emaleigh, my 8-year-old, was wobbling around the house asking to watch "Shwek" and responding to our kisses and I love you's with "I know you, too!"

And it's amazing to think that it has already been five years since Elijah (1 at the time) called his big sister "Moi" for the first time, imitating her every move.

Now, it's Eydan's turn to learn the ways of the world. Watching his big brother and sisters, he already wants to be just like them. He wakes up every morning asking for "Bubba" and is constantly giving Emaleigh kisses with a "mmmmmmm." It's these moments that I want to last forever. I never want to forget what the "newness" was like.

I know the above quote can be about many things, but to me it represents the ones I love most, and how as a mom, I need to protect and lengthen these relationships.

I have always been the mom to tell my kids, "If you don't want it done to you...don't do it to others." The stone after the throw and the word after it's said. Be very careful of the words you choose, especially when talking with your spouse or kids. Don't ever underestimate the power of your words. They are the fruit of life and death, and it's much easier to remember something mean that someone said than a compliment.

Always empower them with words of encouragement. Be supportive, in whatever way you can. Ray and I decided to start watching football together. It's been extremely awkward but fun learning about something that neither of us know anything about.

Invest in your family...they'll thank you for it.

The occasion after it's missed and the time after it's gone. Our days are not promised, and our kids are only "little" for so long. It might be small to you, but it's more than likely HUGE to your child.

Be a positive influence in your household...your kids are ALWAYS watching.

Don't take life for granted. Make it a point to have a date night every month with your spouse. Take time to color with your kids. Play catch, play with Play-Doh or even just place a pizza order. Spend time with your family. I encourage all of you moms to completely, wholeheartedly invest in your family.

It will be the most important profit of your life. It will make all of your memories much easier to remember, and hopefully slow down the ticking clock of time for just a moment.

Caiti Mondragon is married with three children. Read her regularly on Greeley Moms.